An Open Letter to Sarah Palin January 21, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: Bristol, charity, Palin, PTSD, Recon, Sarah, sniper, Track, USMC, VA
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Dear Mrs. Palin,
I am a former US Marine and US Navy Officer with a Combat Action Ribbon as well as service connected disabilities. I am also a Republican. I have also served with, and am friends with, dozens of combat veterans who suffer daily from various injuries and wounds to include PTSD. I recently read your comments related to PTSD in which you attempted to excuse your son’s arrest on domestic abuse charges and firearm charges by referencing his supposed PTSD. Based upon your previous comments I am not surprised that you would choose to use this very serious condition as a political football and, once again, attempt to divert blame from your own family’s abhorrent, violent behavior.
In 2014 your entire family was involved in a late night ‘drunken brawl’ at a party in which Track Palin (the accused domestic abuser) was involved in a bloody fight. While you publicly stated how proud you were at your children’s violent actions, maybe this should have been a sign that Track has a problem. It is certainly curious that you did not feel the need to reference his supposed PTSD in this situation and instead stated: “…my kids’ defense of family makes my heart soar!” Maybe, instead of encouraging Track’s violence, you should have taken the opportunity to get him help. Maybe, instead of being the result of PTSD, your son was simply trying to uphold the stated Palin family values and “…make your heart soar” by abusing a woman.
PTSD is stigmatized in the media and not well understood by the general public. An estimated 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the United States. This is nearly 8,000 veterans who take their lives every year. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) stated: “Every day in the United States, 22 veterans succumb to suicide — losing their personal battle to invisible wounds of war.” Veterans who have willingly given so much in service to their country should not have to bear the burden of being further stigmatized by your ignorant and foolish statements.
While I do not propose to speak for all veterans, I am clearly not alone in my views regarding your unfortunate statements. They were unfortunate for the many veterans who face further disdain and discrimination based upon your inaccurate and ignorant portrayal of those who suffer with PTSD as well as the causes of the condition.
While I would personally prefer that you simply avoid public life and simply fade away, if you insist on trying to use your “celebrity status” for a cause, please educate yourself on the facts of PTSD and try to help veterans by using your significant influence in a more productive, and less political manner. There are a number of veteran’s organizations to which you can donate time, money and energy to make a difference. Two organizations you may want to consider is the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation and the Recon & Sniper Foundation.
Regards,
Chris Mark
Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management 
I just want to say Thank you for being honest. It does take a true man with a backbone to say the truth. That is how I live my life. For using PTSD was so wrong. I know that this world is round and it will come back to her. But she never took the time to stop and learn about PTSD. Thank you again for having the backbone to speak out. You are one wonderful man.
There is absolutely NO room for her in our government. I was sick when I watched her previously and repulsed again when she took whatever chance some nut gave her to get back in the limelight. Can you imagine her with her crude behavior and horrible vocabulary in front of Putin? She single-handedly lost the election for Sen. McCain and to this day I don’t believe he could have been in favor of her as his running mate. Please don’t be offended by her PTSD remarks. Knowing her past should explain to you why she used those comments. God bless you for posting this and thank you all for your service to our great country. Please be safe and remember you are always in our prayers.
Semper Fi sorry you left the mens department!
OK…for those who don’t get the reference..let me explain. Old joke. The Marine Corps technically falls under the Dept. of Navy. So..we are a ‘department of the navy’. Marines like to say “The Mens’ Department”.
Even the women marines?
Glad you explained Men’s dept. I thought it was an insult. I have very high respect for the Marines
It is an old joke between Marines and Sailors. Quite frankly, even though there is rivalry, the USN/USMC team is the strongest in the military. A lot of respect. Many people are unaware that the USMC does NOT have their own medical personnel. Every Infantry squad has a “Doc” that is a Navy Corpsman. They may have longer hair and put their hands in their pockets but they are Marine through and through.
Exceptional letter.
Thank you
Chris, thank you for your response to Sara Palin. It’s really too bad that people open their mouths before the brain kicks in. A lot of people have commented on this, but we must only hope that common sense will prevail at election time. When we only prey on the fears of people, we can’t accomplish much. Perhaps if our loudmouth politicians spent some time at the V A clinics, they would understand what our troops have endured. This country was founded on freedom of religion and speech and we are very lucky to have these freedoms. I wish to thank you again for your service and sacrifice for this great country of ours.
Sarah Palin needs to have a brain in order to use it. Her and her family are a disgrace. How can that family stand for family values when they are nothing but thugs and a daughter with 2 kids with different fathers out of wedlock. They are an embarrassment and a disgrace.
So sad that she even talked about this and then blaming Obama for it. Then to find out that he doesn’t suffer from PTSD and never even was in a combat zone is just deplorable. My dad was a WWII Veteran who was diagnosed with PTSD about 2 years prior to his death in April 2016. He fought in the battle of Tarawa in the Pacific. The VA finally diagnosed him when he went to their psychologist. I am a frequent donor to Wounded Warrior Foundation to help all those that came back injured and many with PTSD. Thank you for your service and patriotism. God Bless America!
Vickie, did your dad or one of his buddies write a book about their experience on Tarawa? I read a book called ‘Tarawa’ written by a soldier who fought there. I forgot the name of the author.
Mr. Mark,
Please accept my sincere gratitude for your service to our country. Your words in this blog remind us that we need to thank and support our troops, both active and retired, without placing them in the center of our own agenda.
Thank you Sir.
Don’t you also have hatred for Obama who seems to put the blame on someone or something for things he is responsible for.And Hilary Clinton for blaming the Benghazi attack on a film someone made instead of protecting 4 Americans from death. Yes so many idiots need to stay out of politics.
You idiot! There were more attacks & lives lost from terrorism under Reagan & Bush…your hatred for Obama stems from your hatred of blacks period!
Well stated Kevin, I do not get these right wing attacks on the President for not supporting our troops.
Kevin, your the idiot. You defend a LIAR with charges of Racism. That is because you can’t defend his actions. Obama is guilty as charged. While the criticism of Palin may be warranted, Palin is much more popular among Marines than Hillary or Obama will ever be. I am a Vietnam Vet. There was no PTSD treatment for us. While this Marine has the Right to express his political views and that is truly what they are, Sarah Palin has not sent 1 Marine into combat. She does not have any power over the rules of engagement that cost thousands of our Military soldiers their lives. PTSD is an excuse. Yes, war has a mental impact, but in the end we are still responsible for our actions. Palin was wrong in using PTSD as an excuse for her Son’s actions. Is there an age where a parent is no longer responsible for their child’s actions? Her Son is an adult. His parents should not be held accountable for his actions, He is accountable. This “Open Letter ” is PURELY POLITICAL. There are no FACTS on PTSD. There are just opinions. Medical science has not discovered how the human brain works. Veterans of WWII and Vietnam survived before PTSD was even a thought. In todays Liberal world no one is Responsible for one’s actions. My reply to this Marine is to suck it up. Sarah Palin is not the cause, nor does she have the power. She holds no Office.
@Ron.
The 1st intelligent post in this thread.
Thanks for your service and your clarity explaining the actual situation involving Sarah Palin.
When you get all your news from FOX, you’re going to look stupid. Try reading The Economist.
During Bush Administration
– 13 embassy attacks
– 66 Deaths
– 3 American diplomats killed
– 22 Embassy emplyees killed
– Number of investigations 0
During Reagan Administration
– 10 embassy attacks
– 318 Deaths
– 1 American Ambassador killed
– 18 CIA officers
– 254 Marines killed
– Number of investigations 1
During Obama Administration
– 2 embassy attacks
– 4 Deaths
– =Number of investigations 13
Cost to taxpayers for partisan witchhunt
14 million
Wow this is interesting..never seen these facts laid out!
I would venture to think this is incomplete and incorrect data here, No Clinton info and only 4 deaths due to terrorism ( or what) under the current admin? The math appears to be lacking.
I’m soory the Palin Family are educated. They ALL should know better. In my opinion, its an embarrassment to all that follow their shenanigans.
Agree. The Palins may have gone to school — but it takes more than attendance to be ‘educated’. With them, ‘school didn’t take’. Mama Bear has strong opinions–as the unfortunate public has learned through the ever-present media.
Reblogged this on Nobody Doesn't Like Sarah Lea.
Chris,
Thank you for your cogent response. Palin is a publicity hound, and took another opportunity at the expense of many good people. Well said.
Ed Cox
Dear Chris. Thank you for this open letter to data palin. She is not just a Republican, but an extreme tea party Republican, ( if that is a true Republican), which, personally, I really font think do, but, having said that, I want to truly thank you for you so many words of wisdom. I am a psychiatrist and fully understand the plight of those who ate unfortunate to have PTSD. It comes in all colors and forms. It is very unfortunate for Sara palin to use the domestic abuse as PTSD
But, at the same time, the woman’s foreign policy with Russia was being able to see the country on a clear day. And, when running for vice president, she could tell ms. Kurig, what newspapers or magazines she read. So, she doesn’t really know anything, she wasn’t vetted, before she was put on the docket, she doesn’t know much of anything. She lost the election for McCain. As others have said, she is crude, had no sense of decency and, there are many other things I could day about her, but enough time had already been wasted on her.
You’re a psychiatrist?
“I really font think do”. It’s really sad for those who “ate unfortunate” enough to have you treat them.
It’s even more unfortunate that you confuse a lame comedy script for someone’s actual quote.
She wasn’t vetted but president stompy feet was… “I could see by the crease in his pants that he was going to be a great President” – David Brooks
Now THAT’S some vetting!
I know there’s lots more that you “can day” about her but I’m sure your Jeniosity as a Psychiatrist is much in need as we speak so…
ps. Maybe you can give us your expert opinion on our NEXT President. Donald J. Trump.
Next president Donald J. Trump. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Yur thuh won wif lots uv jeniosity.
Chris, rather than a scathing indictment of Mrs. Palin, perhaps a more instructive tenor in your message would avoid what seems as a combative hateful message tenor which instead compromises the sincerity I surmise you originally intended.
Careful of your “tenor”!
Mr. Mark, thank you for the well thought out, informed letter and post. You clearly understand the perils and pains of a Veteran who must deal with this horrific affliction. I, for one, am ashamed at the way we as a nation treat our most valuable asset, and that is humans. As men and women who voluntarily place themselves in harm’s way, you and all the other members of our Armed Services deserve to be treated with respect and decency, and all too often, that is not the case. Thank you also for your service, which we so often forget to say, but should say every day. You seem, from your letter, to be a good man. I wish you all the best, and I hope that you can find peace.
I actually thought Chris’ letter was VERY polite and not the LEAST bit scathing———now if I were to write her a letter—that would be a different story…………..what a joke she and her family are. And VERY hypocritical. She must be stoned and/or drunk to think that the public wants to actually hear anything that comes out of her mouth. MAKE IT GO AWAY!!!! And God Bless our veterans and our country!!!
Thank you, thank you! So sad that so many cannot see through her and her deplorable example of ignorance. Jerry Robertson, what kind of ‘instructive tenor’ would you suggest? Chris just stated the honest truth and not a combative hateful message. She should educate herself on PTSD before making such comments, and herself look silly.
Dear Chris,
My brother drank myself to death because he was depressed and he also services as a Marine. He went to Vietnam and when he came home he was never the same after that.If he had been treated for PTSD he might be alive today. I want to thank you for your letter to Mrs. Palin. She owes you an apologize for her remarks on the subject of the PTSD.
Sincerely,
Grace
Thank you, It is unfortunate that the “person” under discussion will not read this.
Sir, appreciate your letter. I think it is spot on. As an Alaskan, I find the entire Palin family to be an embarrassment and Ms. Palin herself to be the biggest of hypocrites. So, no fan here, but I would just like to add that it bothers me that people in various forums are attacking Track for having PTS without having been in combat (and I have no knowledge of the veracity of those claims, they probably don’t either).
For those people, I would say, please keep in mind that you don’t have to be a combat veteran, or even a veteran at all to have PTS. ANYONE can suffer from PTS and many people who’ve never been in the military suffer from PTS. If more people understood the causes of PTS (i.e. that is it not a personal weakness), and that it doesn’t cause people to become raving ax-murderers, it wouldn’t have to be stigmatized.
All the best.
Thank you, Officer Mark. I appreciate your response to Palin’s ignorant and down right thoughtless reaction to her son’s inexcusable behavior.
PTSD is a terrible difficult condition to overcome and nothing to be used as camouflage or as an excuse for very poor parenting.
Best Regards, B Cullen
Well said soldier. Thanks for your service.
It makes me so angry that she just made her son the poster child of stereotypical PTSD! For a woman who says she loves guns and the military, she just supported an argument for those who want to take assault rifles away. The mental instability reason. I remember when my husband was first seeking out help for his PTSD, every single VA doctor asked me if he had ever hit me (in front of him too!) and I responded the same way each time, they stopped asking after a while. PTSD and Domestic abuse are not necessarily completely connected. Track had problems before the military. He cut brake lines on a school bus at 16…what kid does that?
Thank you for your letter!
I just want to say that some of you are under the impression that only people who were in combat can have PTSD. This is not true. There are different types of PTSD caused by different events happening in a persons life. I personally have been previously diagnosed years ago by more than one doctor and psychiatrists as having PTSD from living for many years with a loud mouth, physically and mentally abusive, lying, cheating, controlling husband who I very often feared. I don’t want to comment on Mrs. Palin or her son I just want people to understand that PTSD does NOT only happened to people who were in combat.
Dear Chris,
Mrs Palin’s lack of understanding on most issues is of no surprise. She continues to be a figure of ridicule and disbelief here in the UK. Is there anyone left that she has not insulted with her stupidity. Yours is a complex problem and deserves better treatment than you are currently getting.
Noel
Sarah Palin is a disgrace. She’s in with Donald Trump who said he liked guys “who didn’t get captured.” A slap at John McCain who spent over 6 tortuous years in the “Hanoi Hilton.” It was McCain who brought this ding bat to prominence years ago. Woman, have you no honor?
I wish that this would go so public that that insane bitch would have to respond to it. I would love to hear her excuses now
Dear Chris,
With astounding grace and compassion, you have composed the most pointed, informative, sensitive, fair-minded, open letter to this loud-mouthed, ignorant woman. Thank you for a compilation of what many wish they could state with such honesty. Few could have so succinctly stated what we may only hope Sarah Palin understands. Given her outrageous, hurtful, untruthful statement in defense of the indefensible, I can only send praise and love to you and your colleagues for the sacrifices made in the name of freedom for all. Always remember that you are loved and a spirit with a higher purpose.
Shame on you, Sarah. My husband carried PTSD on his shoulders for 60 years and so did we, as his family. He fought it every day of his life.
[…] made her remarks last Wednesday and a day later Mark posted an open letter to her on his website, Global Risk Info, which normally discusses “various security and risk […]
You are a good Officer and fine example ! Thank You!
I hope people don’t think the majority of Alaskan are like her were not and she a embarrassment to our great state.
Fuck You. Traitor.
No doubt your mastery of prose is only matched by your intelligence and education. If you didn’t get my point..I am making fun of you for being an ignorant buffoon. Go get your pillows now…
Well written, thank you for your service.
Well said. Sara Palin is a disgrace to this country. So is Donald Trump. Hopefully her endorsement of Trump will derail the both of them.
Well said. You hit the nail on the head. Using an illness for political means is despicable and only someone short of a full deck would even consider doing this.
Thank you for your service and God Bless.
“Chris” I’m also a veteran and often have dreams about being back across the pond in the bad places. I’ve seen alot of things that i don’t care to ever see again so i just deal with it. Brother , i feel you spoke from the heart & you spoke the truth. I at one time thought she would have been good for our country ! I don’t now. She has to stop dragging our veterans into her family issues. We have a many veteran who today need some help dealing with issues and i thank each one for their services.
Well said!!!!
Such a powerful and timely message! Thank you for your service to our country and your continued service with educating all of us on the important issue of PTSD. America needs a complete over haul of thinking when it comes to mental illness and how it is stigmatized. The brain is a vital organ just like the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs. I have shared your letter in hopes that others will take the opportunity to become more aware of this important issue and help in anyway possible. Again, many thanks and blessings to you!
The statements you made in this article have weighed heavy on my mind. I don’t know if its that you would say a public figure had no longer anything of value to offer because of their adult children’s behavior, knowing that criteria has never really been extended to male public figures…. or that she is a liar and that would disqualify her from participating in politics, reminds me of Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign lie claiming she landed under enemy fire in Sarajevo as first lady. Or your assault a fellow soldier’s character for two incidents which alcohol definitely played a part. One which was protecting his sister after being physically assaulted. The other involved two people and he was threatening harm to himself. But more so, that you would say that PTSD can only be the result of combat situations, which will surprising to victims of rape and other violent crimes. I thought motto was “no soldier left behind”. You should rethink this one.
I would invite you to re-read the article. What you are suggesting was never said. My comment was directed at Sarah Palin and not Track Palin. I never said PTSD could “only be the result of combat…” Your statement regarding his “protecting his sister” is an opinion and is not supported. Btw…I was a Marine..not a Soldier.
Thank you
What a professional and well written response. I so appreciate your reference of sourced facts and suggestions of more productive steps to take – so many online rebuttals are driven by blind emotion and pure opinion. You managed to express the emotion in an intelligent and well articulate way. Thank you.
Chris Mark, well done~
RMS
Dong Ap Bia
May 1969
Ne Desit Vertus
Chris – thank you. Your letter hits home for me and many, many other American families. While some people might disagree claiming “Palin never sent anyone into war…” they clearly aren’t paying attention to her continued claims that she would if she had the chance. Ignore the nay-sayers. Best wishes to you and thank you for all that you do.
This is so well put coming from a vet that everyone should read it. I could not agree with you more. Palin loves the limelight but I wish she’d get out of it.
Thank you for your service to our country and thank you for speaking out.
I am a Vietnam vet and there is a lot of difference in Republican and Democrats. How many blames Sarah and how many don’t. There is a lot of VA problems that shouldn’t be put on Veteran’s that is coming back. The VA should have a program that put ever soldier coming back to have a year long class just for PTSD which I didn’t have when I got out. I had so many jobs when I got out and even went to the VA hospital for being an alcoholic in 70’s and was turned away. I lost a lot of very good jobs, I drank a lot and didn’t care if I went to work. All I can say is the Government should be made to see the importance of our soldiers having treatment for PTSD when coming back. All of the veterans that came back that committed suicide from Nam didn’t have a chance back then. My uncle was shell shocked, lived alone and never got married and I felt so sorry for him never got treatment back from WWII. What I am saying is the soldiers that come back should have a program for this PTSD. They all should go through this Program. I have a Nephew that was a Warrant Officer in Iraq and Afghanistan and still go over their and works on choppers and when he got out he came and ask me How Did I Forget What I Went Through While I was in Nam for a little more then 14 month, I said to him that you never forget, its always their in your mind and like me you will have nightmares and spells where you think you are still back there from all kind of noises. I hope he never does these thing and so far I really can’t say for sure but I hope not. I hope you all get the point I am making as far back as I know of the PTSD has been around we just didn’t know how to lessen it for our soldiers. I hope that this will make more people get the VA to set up more classes. I can’t say Sarah was wrong or right, I just know that all soldiers need help from PTSD. God Bless all our military soildiers and God Bless America.
Someone should copy, print and send these comments to that stupid, pugilistic NINCKOMPOOOP, Sara Palin. Alas, with her deficient intellect, she would only find a way to smile, boldly lie and turn it into another 0pportunity for publicity!!! I hope she continues to ring the bell and endorse Donald Trump…. In the enthusiastic way he greeted, hugged and thanked her for the endorsement, he has certainly revealed, better than anyone else could….his lack of good judgment, crudity, and total unfitness for the highest office of this land!!!!
Thank you Chris. Unfortunate that your wonderful country is becoming such a joke among the rest of developed countries due to comments from Sarah Palin and her “postcard” family, and now to Donald Trump’s comments. WE thank you for your professionalism, your courage, your intelligence.
Donna
(Canada)
Well said! Thank you for responding to her And Thank You for your service!
I am a french Canadian who is working in fédéral penitentiary as a correctional officer. I am also in the syndicate for Return to Work Program. I have to support many times colleagues, former Canadian soldiers who suffer from PTSD and I can understand your frustrations, I respect and support you all.
Bravo. Thank you for identifying her ignorance. The Palin family are nothing but Alaskan Rednecks. She is a media mongrel. Jumping on the Trump Train was another avenue for her to get her psychotic points of view out there. She clearly is off her much needed medication.
She is NOT Alaskan, wasn’t born here in Alaska, nor does she portray a true Alaskan image! She IS a Redneck, that I agree with. She high-tailed out of Alaskan Governorship followed by high-tailing out of Alaska soon as she saw more camera lenses dangling dollar signs in front of her.
Genuine Alaskans do NOT miss her nor do they consider her being from, or an actual Alaskan, even though she did own a house here! Alaskans reference those who do not live in Alaska or represent a true Alaskan portrayal as “OUTSIDERS” and places not in Alaska as “OUTSIDE”. Well Palin is definitely a genuine “OUTSIDER” and Alaska should keep its door shut and leave her “OUTSIDE”! She is a true detriment to Alaska’s pristine environment as she is an invasive species!
Way to go mark